The Washo/O’Brien Administration presented a 2010 tentative budget which showed a decrease in spending by $2.1 million from 2009 to $84.2 million. As minority commissioner, I was a part of the budget preparation. While we agreed in philosophy, that is, no tax increase for residents, there was give and takes throughout the process. Reducing expenses was the goal.

The “belt-tightening” message was heard by all department heads. The only items increased were payroll and payroll related expenses. This was due to mandated union contract increases of approximately one and a half percent. That percent of increase was also given to management since there were no pay increases last year. It should be noted that the Commissioners and elected row office holders have not received a raise since 2004.

The tentative reduction in workforce of approximately 30 people was the hardest part of the process. There are management as well as union positions included in that number. At the budget announcement, I pledged to review expenses line by line in order to possibly save several jobs. I believe I have accomplished more savings.

A detailed review of each department’s payroll seniority list had several positions which were listed as vacant. It appears that the 24 vacant positions if eliminated from the budget would garner significant savings. However, some of these positions were included in the original reduction. In any event, a hiring freeze will be implemented.

The 2010 budget consists of 218 pages with about 25 lines (accounts) per page. There were not too many accounts which could be reduced, but I will submit a list containing an additional net decrease in non-payroll expenses of almost $188,000. The majority of these expenses are consultant and professional fees. This is where our philosophies clash.

I am totally against the lobbyist firm at $120,000 per year. I want to cease the publication of the quarterly newsletter at $74,000 which is paid by the hotel tax and reduce travel expenses.

The Budget Director and Chief Financial officer have prepared a “bare-bones” budget as instructed. It is the norm for the minority to prepare its own budget as was done last year, but not accepted by my colleagues. This year circumstances are different. This budget is a joint effort and I will be voting for it.

A.J. Munchak